Almost Human: "Skin"Review

Almost Human's second entry really set out to establish the procedural nature of the series. There were no mentions of The Syndicate this week, nor Kennex's betraying fiance. There were however, plenty of legitimately funny "Benedict Android" buddy cop quips on hand. Kennex and Dorian have quickly moved past the prejudicial tension that existed between them in the pilot, and that's likely a very good thing.

It was fine to set Kennex up as a man who questions the technology that has all but taken over his world, and it's fairly understandable that he'd feel that way given the challenges the tech revolution presents for the police. He and Dorian had reached an understanding by the time of the first episode's conclusion, though, and it would likely have felt tedious to circle back to the "I'd rather not have you as my partner" dynamic. It was far more interesting and entertaining to watch them get to know one another, as Kennex seemed entirely ill-equipped to manage Dorian's highjinks and teasing; which partially circles back to his discomfort with children.

Dorian decides to help Kennex with the ladies.

Dorian, as mentioned in our pilot review, has a man-child quality that is uniquely android-like and the marriage between Ealy and this character is perfection. He continues to deliver a nuanced and highly charismatic performance. Dorian understands enough about sex to know when Kennex is demonstrating physiological and emotional signs of, er, need, but he does not really grasp social boundaries - hilarity ensues. It really does, though. Urban, who is equally suited to play the rough around the edges but charming Kennex, could easily become the quintessential too-cool-for-school, "I've got it all together" cop. So it's highly amusing and refreshing to see him continually rattled by this synthetic who can see right through him, but doesn't have the hang-ups to refrain from some wonderfully inappropriate observations.

There is great potential for humor in their relationship, but there's also a sweetness. They seem to take turns parenting one another to some degree - or at least acting as a guide. Dorian doesn't understand how or why we process things like death, nor the concept of the afterlife, yet he isn't afraid to face emotions that scare him. The sadness he feels about decommissioning the illegal bots is subtly, but powerfully expressed. His desire to be with her despite his discomfort, as well as his belief that it is memory that gives a life meaning, inspired Kennex to go face his ex-partner's son. These aren't understated story elements, but they are well crafted here.

Dorian faces what may one day be his own end on Almost Human.

The case of the week was fairly standard in the sense that any science fiction property dealing with androids will eventually explore the idea of sex bots. What was interesting about this one - other than the grim idea of incorporating human skin - was that it didn't take a definitive stance on the morality of synthetic sex workers. There was the perspective that their existence had reduced the sex trafficking - a good thing.

Yet, these creatures were far more childlike than Dorian, which created a sense of unease about how they were being utilized. The only one who seemed to see the women as anything other than objects to be used and discarded was, of course, Dorian. Those moments during the autopsy of the first synth and the decommissioning of the second were the most emotionally effective of the episode.

Dorian's attempts to understand what he is in a world conceived of by, and for, humans is one of the most, if not the most, engaging aspect of this series. If there is a "better place" do the androids get to go there? If it's just lights out, then what is the meaning of their existence? Or ours? Again, none of these concepts are revolutionary, but the series is managing to balance humor, character, and some broader ideas. Ultimately, the episode was simply entertaining and fun to watch, leaving the viewer, or at least this one, looking forward to next week.

The Verdict

Almost Human served up a far more humorous tone for its second entry. Wyman and his team seem to have put a concerted effort into creating a show with a wide appeal, so that those who may be less inclined to tune into the Fringes of the world may give this one a go. The series was designed as a procedural/mythology-driven hybrid. If "Skin" is any indication, it will ultimately favor the buddy-cop procedural elements over the serialized. It's evolving into lighter fare than originally indicated, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The little nods to classic science fiction tropes and ideas are presented in a palatable and entertaining, if not groundbreaking, package.

I'm enjoying this one so far, but I'd love to hear what you guys think. Let us know in the comments below or you can always hit me up on Twitter to chat some more: @RothCornet.

Great

Almost Human takes a lighter turn as the futuristic buddy cop relationship comes to the forefront.